DOCSLIB.ORG

Distribution, Ecology and Status of Golden Jackal (Canis Aureus) in Africa

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Distribution, Ecology and Status of Golden Jackal (Canis Aureus) in Africa Journal of Natural Sciences Research www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-3186 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0921 (Online) Vol.7, No.1, 2017 A Review on: Distribution, Ecology and Status of Golden Jackal (canis aureus) in Africa Yigrem Kebede Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Wolaita Sodo University, P. O. Box 138, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia Abstract The golden jackal ( Canis aureus ) is the most widely distributed of the three jackal species ( C. adustrus, C. mesomelas, and C. aureus) . The golden jackal occurs in North and East Africa, South-eastern Europe, Middle East and South Asia up to Burma and Thailand. This implies that the golden jackal is a habitat generalist and occurs in a variety of habitats from savannah and woodland in protected areas, non-protected cultural forests and the associated pastoral areas, farmland with dense human populations. Golden jackals are opportunistic feeders, being both predators and scavengers. In East Africa, although they feed on invertebrates and a fruit, over 60% of their diet is composed of rodents, lizards, snakes, birds, hares and young of Thomson’s gazelle. In Africa, golden jackals have been observed to kill the cubs of black-backed jackals. Jackals will feed alongside spotted hyenas, though they will be chased if they approach too closely. Population estimates for Africa are not available. Their number is shrinking due to anthropogenic causes. According to the IUCN (2004) list of threatened species, the status of golden jackal is “least concern”. There are no other known threats, except local policies of extirpation and poisoning and can be considered as a species requiring no immediate protection with caution and knowledge that populations throughout its range are likely to decline. Keywords : Anthropogenic causes, Golden jackal, Habitat, Population status, Predators INTRODUCTION The golden jackal ( Canis aureus ) is the most northerly and most widely distributed of the three jackal species ( C. adustrus, C. mesomelas, and C. aureus) . It is the only jackal species that occurs outside the Sub-Saharan Africa. The golden jackal occurs in North and East Africa, South-eastern Europe, Middle East and South Asia up to Burma and Thailand. This implies that the golden jackal is a habitat generalist, similar to the coyote ( Canis latrans ) in North America (Bekoff and Gese, 2003). Both species are generalist predators with adaptable social systems that are able to exist in close proximity to humans and exploit agro-ecosystems (Macdonald, 1979). However, in some parts of their range, golden jackals have either disappeared or their numbers are shrinking due to anthropogenic causes (Jhala and Moehlman, 2004). A variety of anthropogenic factors have resulted in the reduction in the numbers and geographic range of many carnivore species across the world (Gese, 2001). The design and implementation of recovery programmes for such species are partially dependent upon rapid and accurate assessment of their abundance and distribution. Many carnivore species are nocturnal, secretive and rare, making such assessments problematic (Gese, 2001), despite a proliferation of methods to estimate carnivore range and abundance (Wilson and Delahay, 2001). According to Giannatos et al . (2005), dense vegetation usually associated with wetlands may provide cover for avoiding humans during the daytime and be an important limiting factor for the existence of golden jackals in close proximity to humans. The golden jackal is a generalist predator and occurs in a variety of habitats from savannah and woodland in protected areas (Moehlman, 1983; Fuller et al ., 1989) to farmland with dense human populations (Pouche et al ., 1987; Jaeger et al ., 2007). This meant past, particularly where many of the larger predators have been eliminated, the golden jackal is the most abundant carnivore (Yom-Tov et al ., 1995; Krystufek et al ., 1997). The opportunistic behavior of golden jackals is illustrated by their catholic diet and ability to flourish where human rubbish is abundant (Macdonald, 1979; Yom-Tov et al ., 1995). The golden jackal is a medium sized canid in the genus Canis, Family canidae, suborder Fissipedia, order carnivora (Clutton-Brock et al., 1976). It is distinguished by its basic golden coat color that varies from pale creamy yellow to dark tawny hue on a seasonal basis, and a mixture of black brown and white hairs on the back (Jahla and Moehlman, 2004). Unlike other jackal species, which are African in origin (Lindblad-Toh et al., 2005), the golden jackal like the wolf, likely emerged from Asia (Lindblad-Toh et al., 2005). The direct ancestor of the golden jackal is thought to be C. kuruksaensis , this canid native to Tajikistan (from late Pliocene to early Pleistocene (Rook, 2010)). Another prehistoric canid initially thought to be an ancestral jackal ( C. arnensis ), which was native to Europe, was later classed as more closely related to the coyote. Golden jackals likely colonized the European continent during the late Pleistocene. The jackal is not as controversial or damaging as its larger counterpart, the grey wolf ( C. lupus) , 32 Journal of Natural Sciences Research www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-3186 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0921 (Online) Vol.7, No.1, 2017 although in high-densities predation on small-sized stock does occur (Genov and Vassilev, 1991; Yom - Tov et.al., 1995). This species does not have such a negative image among hunters and rural people as the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) , which is considered as a small-game eliminator and poultry-lifting animal. According to the IUCN (2004) list of threatened species, the status of golden jackal is “least concern”. There are no other known threats, except local policies of extirpation and poisoning and can be considered as a species requiring no immediate protection with caution and knowledge that populations throughout its range are likely to decline (Jhala and Moehlman, 2004). Although regarded as a pest and constantly persecuted, its population has constantly increased over the centuries. Due to the low level of human – jackal conflicts, it seems that conservation measures for the species would be easier to enforce than with other sympatric canids. Description and Taxonomy Golden jackals are medium sized canids, and are considered the most typical representative of the genus Canis (Clutton-Brock et al., 1976). Golden jackals resemble wolves in general appearance, but are smaller, lighter, have proportionately shorter legs, have more elongated torsos and shorter tails. The iris is light or dark brownish (Heptner and Naumov, 1998). Golden jackals in India tend to have shorter ears than their North African cousins. Adults are 74–106 cm (29–42 in) long, 38–50 cm (15–20 in) high at the shoulder and weigh 7–15 kg (15-33 lb) (Kingdon, 1977). The tail is straighter, shorter and brushier than that of wolves (Figure 1) (Voorst, 1859). On average, the body weight of adult male and female golden jackals is estimated 6.6 kg and 5.8 kg, respectively with an approximate 12% difference between sexes (Moehlman and Hoffer, 1997). The belly underpart is light pale ginger to cream. Unique light markings on the throat and chest make it possible to differentiate individuals from the population (Moehlman, 1983). The tail is bushy with a tan to black tip. Females have four pairs of mammae (Jahla and moehlman, 2004). The skull of the golden jackal is more similar to that of the coyote ( C. latrans ) and the grey wolf ( C. lupus ), than that of the black-backed jackal, side-striped jackal ( C. adustus ), and Ethiopian wolf ( C. simensis ) (Clutton-Brock et al ., 1976). The dental formula is 3/3-1/1- 4/4-2/3=42 (Moehlman and Hofer, 1997). Table-1. Body measurements of the golden jackal (Moehlman and Hofer, 1997). Feature measure HB male 793mm (760–840) n=6 HB female 760mm (740–800) n=3 T male 220mm (200–240) n=6 T female 205mm (200–210) n=3 E male 76mm (68–90) n=6 E female 80mm (75–85) n=3 WT male 8.8kg (7.6–9.8) n=6 WT female 7.3kg (6.5–7.8) n=4 (Key : HB = head and body measurement, T = tail length, HF = hind foot, E = ear, WT = weight) Figure 1: - Golden jackal (Macdonald, 1979; Moehlman, 1983) The skull of the golden jackal is less massively built than that of wolves, and have narrower and more pointed muzzles. The projections of the skull are well developed, but weaker than those of the wolf (Heptner and Naumov, 1998). In jackals, the anterior incisures of the nasal bones has a medial protrusion, unlike wolves (Harrington, 1982). There are 18 characteristics which distinguish the skulls of golden jackals from those of 33 Journal of Natural Sciences Research www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-3186 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0921 (Online) Vol.7, No.1, 2017 domestic dogs. Among them, the jackal has a smaller inflation of the frontal region, a shallower forehead, smaller upward curvature of the zygomatic arches and a longer and thinner lower jaw (Mazin, 1996). Occasionally, they develop a horny growth on the skull, this horn usually measures half an inch in length, and is concealed under fur (Harrington, 1982). The teeth are similar to those of wolves, but are overall more trenchant in character, particularly in the upper molars, which have higher cusps, are more slender and their cutting ridges much more developed. The canine teeth are thinner than the wolves, and the carnassials relatively weaker (Heptner and Naumov, 1998). Also, the cingulum on the external edge of the first upper molar is broader and more distinctly marked (Harrington, 1982). North African jackals tend to have longer carnassials than those living in the Middle East (Macdonald, 1992). The winter fur is generally of a reddish-grey colour, with blackish or rusty red tips on the guard hairs.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Leopard Geckos
    Husbandry Handbook LEOPARD GECKOS Eublepharus macularius The Exception to the Rule Temperature and Lighting When dening what makes a gecko different from a lizard, there are a few things It is important to create a thermal gradient (a warm and a cool side) in the that come to mind right away. First, geckos have sticky toe pads that enable them cage/enclosure. This can be done with an appropriate sized Zilla® Heat Mat to climb. Second, they don’t have eye lids and have to lick their eyes to clean them. adhered to the bottom of the tank all the way to one side. Ideal temperatures for Lastly, they have vocal cords that allow them to bark and make noises. Leopard Leopard Geckos range from 75-80°F on the cool side and 80-85°F on the warm Geckos are unusual in that they don’t have sticky toe pads and they have eyelids. side. Provide a 90-95°F basking area on the warm side. While Leopard Geckos They do, however, have vocal cords and can squeak and bark to ward off predators. don’t need UVB to survive, UVA/UVB light has been shown to greatly improve the While exceptions to the normal gecko rules, they make amazing rst pet reptiles. immune system, health, and wellness of all reptiles, both diurnal and crepuscular. They are docile, easy to handle and very hardy. With 30 years of selective breeding, Using a Zilla® Mini Heat & UVB Fixture with a Zilla® 50W Mini Halogen bulb and a they now come in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
    [Show full text]
  • Rabies and Distemper Outbreaks in Smallest Ethiopian Wolf Population
    RESEARCH LETTERS Therefore, the new H7N9 viruses were highly pathogenic live-poultry markets in Guangdong, China. PLoS One. 2015; to chickens when compared with the early H7N9 virus and 10:e0126335. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0126335 4. Shi J, Deng G, Liu P, Zhou J, Guan L, Li W, et al. Isolation and could transmit among chickens by contact. characterization of H7N9 viruses from live poultry markets— The biological features of H7N9 virus and its pandemic implication of the source of current H7N9 infection in humans. potential have caused global concern (8). The early H7N9 vi- Chin Sci Bull. 2013;58:1857–63. https://doi.org/10.1007/ ruses lacked the basic HA cleavage site, exhibited low patho- s11434-013-5873-4 5. Ramos I, Krammer F, Hai R, Aguilera D, Bernal-Rubio D, genicity, and caused mild or no disease in poultry (9). The Steel J, et al. H7N9 influenza viruses interact preferentially with α2,3- cleavage site in HA protein of the isolates we analyzed were linked sialic acids and bind weakly to α2,6-linked sialic acids. J Gen KGKRTAR¯G or KRKRTAR¯G. They had high pathoge- Virol. 2013;94:2417–23. http://dx.doi.org/10.1099/vir.0.056184-0 nicity and replication in chickens and could transmit among 6. Li Z, Chen H, Jiao P, Deng G, Tian G, Li Y, et al. Molecular basis of replication of duck H5N1 influenza viruses in a chickens by contact. Therefore, these new H7N9 viruses could mammalian mouse model. J Virol. 2005;79:12058–64.
    [Show full text]
  • Health Survey on the Wolf Population in Tuscany, Italy
    Published by Associazione Teriologica Italiana Volume 30 (1): 19–23, 2019 Hystrix, the Italian Journal of Mammalogy Available online at: http://www.italian-journal-of-mammalogy.it doi:10.4404/hystrix–00100-2018 Research Article Health survey on the wolf population in Tuscany, Italy Cecilia Ambrogi1,∗, Charlotte Ragagli1, Nicola Decaro2, Ezio Ferroglio3, Marco Mencucci1, Marco Apollonio4, Alessandro Mannelli5 1Comando Unità Tutela Forestale Ambientale Agroalimentare Carabinieri 2Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Strada Provinciale per Casamassima 3, 70010 Valenzano (Ba) 3Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco (TO) 4Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Sardinia, Italy 5Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco (TO) Keywords: Abstract wolf dog The objective of our study was to survey the occurence of transmissible agents in wolf (Canis lupus) monitoring population living in the northern Apennines. A total of 703 wolf fecal samples were collected in parasites the Appennino Tosco-Emiliano National Park (ATENP) and the Foreste Casentinesi National Park parvovirus (FCNP) in Tuscany, Italy. Parasitic forms (eggs or oocists) were detected in 74.3% of fecal samples, mainly infested by Trichuroidae (60.4%) and Coccidia (27.3%); heavy Trichuroidea and Coccidia Article history: infestation were found in 8.5% and 17.4% of samples (the intensity of infestation measured as EPG Received: 26/05/2018 >1000, OPG >10000). Taking into consideration the main canine viruses, we evaluated the presence Accepted: 29/04/2019 of Parvovirus in feces: 54 specimens from the study area in the ATENP and 71 from the study area in the FCNP were negative by PCR for the detection of Parvovirus.
    [Show full text]
  • Black Bear Tracking Dog License Application (PDF)
    For Office Use Only LICENSE DURATION 1 Year or 5Years Black Bear License # ________________ Fee Paid $ _______________ LICENSE FEE Tracking Dog License ☐ ☐ $25.00 1 Year Check # _____________ Application ☐ 00 $100. 5 Year ☐ M.O. # ______________ For more information on this license visit www.dec.ny.gov/permits/25006.html *APPLICANT INFORMATION name / date of birth ____________________________________________ _____________________________________ _________ ___________________ Last First M.I. DOB (mm/dd/yyyy) address _______________________________________ _______________ ________________________________________________________ Street Address Apartment/Unit City ______________________________________________________________________________ ________________ ______________________ County State Zip Code email / ____________________________________________________________________________________ ( _________ ) _________ - ______________ telephone Email Telephone *Provide your NYS Hunting License ID # (must be current year license) *FACILITY / BUSINESS INFORMATION (Complete this section if different from above.) facility / business name ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ address _________________________________________ _______________ _____________________________________________________ Street Address Apartment/Unit City _______________________________________ ___________ ___________________ ( _________ ) __________ - ________________ County State Zip
    [Show full text]
  • Molecular Analysis of Carnivore Protoparvovirus Detected in White Blood Cells of Naturally Infected Cats
    Balboni et al. BMC Veterinary Research (2018) 14:41 DOI 10.1186/s12917-018-1356-9 RESEARCHARTICLE Open Access Molecular analysis of carnivore Protoparvovirus detected in white blood cells of naturally infected cats Andrea Balboni1, Francesca Bassi1, Stefano De Arcangeli1, Rosanna Zobba2, Carla Dedola2, Alberto Alberti2 and Mara Battilani1* Abstract Background: Cats are susceptible to feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) and canine parvovirus (CPV) variants 2a, 2b and 2c. Detection of FPV and CPV variants in apparently healthy cats and their persistence in white blood cells (WBC) and other tissues when neutralising antibodies are simultaneously present, suggest that parvovirus may persist long-term in the tissues of cats post-infection without causing clinical signs. The aim of this study was to screen a population of 54 cats from Sardinia (Italy) for the presence of both FPV and CPV DNA within buffy coat samples using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The DNA viral load, genetic diversity, phylogeny and antibody titres against parvoviruses were investigated in the positive cats. Results: Carnivore protoparvovirus 1 DNA was detected in nine cats (16.7%). Viral DNA was reassembled to FPV in four cats and to CPV (CPV-2b and 2c) in four cats; one subject showed an unusually high genetic complexity with mixed infection involving FPV and CPV-2c. Antibodies against parvovirus were detected in all subjects which tested positive to DNA parvoviruses. Conclusions: The identification of FPV and CPV DNA in the WBC of asymptomatic cats, despite the presence of specific antibodies against parvoviruses, and the high genetic heterogeneity detected in one sample, confirmed the relevant epidemiological role of cats in parvovirus infection.
    [Show full text]
  • Felis Silvestris, Wild Cat
    The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ ISSN 2307-8235 (online) IUCN 2008: T60354712A50652361 Felis silvestris, Wild Cat Assessment by: Yamaguchi, N., Kitchener, A., Driscoll, C. & Nussberger, B. View on www.iucnredlist.org Citation: Yamaguchi, N., Kitchener, A., Driscoll, C. & Nussberger, B. 2015. Felis silvestris. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T60354712A50652361. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-2.RLTS.T60354712A50652361.en Copyright: © 2015 International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources Reproduction of this publication for educational or other non-commercial purposes is authorized without prior written permission from the copyright holder provided the source is fully acknowledged. Reproduction of this publication for resale, reposting or other commercial purposes is prohibited without prior written permission from the copyright holder. For further details see Terms of Use. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ is produced and managed by the IUCN Global Species Programme, the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) and The IUCN Red List Partnership. The IUCN Red List Partners are: BirdLife International; Botanic Gardens Conservation International; Conservation International; Microsoft; NatureServe; Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; Sapienza University of Rome; Texas A&M University; Wildscreen; and Zoological Society of London. If you see any errors or have any questions or suggestions on what is shown in this document, please provide us with feedback so that we can correct or extend the information
    [Show full text]
  • Canine Parvovirus Pathogenic Viruses in Veterinary Medicine
    Canine Parvovirus Pathogenic Viruses in Veterinary Medicine There are many important viral diseases in veterinary medicine. This PowerPage lists most of the important viral diseases, the name of the causative virus, the host species, and the type of virus. Chart of Important Viral Diseases in Veterinary Medicine Disease name Causative virus Host species Type of virus Parvovirus (“Parvo”) Parvovirus Canine Nonenveloped DNA virus Distemper Canine distemper virus Canine Enveloped RNA virus Rabies Rabies virus Many Enveloped RNA virus Coronaviral enteritis Canine coronavirus Canine Enveloped RNA virus Infectious canine hepatitis Canine adenovirus 1 Canine Nonenveloped DNA virus (CAV-1) Infectious canine Canine adenovirus 2 Canine Nonenveloped DNA virus tracheobronchitis (CAV-2) Parainfluenza Canine parainfluenza virus Canine Enveloped RNA virus Panleukopenia Feline parvovirus Feline Nonenveloped DNA virus Feline Infectious Peritonitis Feline coronavirus Feline Enveloped RNA virus FIV Feline immunodeficiency Feline Enveloped RNA virus virus FELV Feline leukemia virus Feline Enveloped RNA virus Feline rhinotracheitis Feline herpesvirus Feline Enveloped DNA virus Calicivirus Feline calicivirus Feline Nonenveloped RNA virus Equine infectious anemia Equine infectious anemia Equine Enveloped RNA virus virus (EIA) Equine influenza Equine influenza virus Equine Enveloped RNA virus Equine herpesvirus Equine herpesvirus 1-4 Equine Enveloped DNA virus (EHV-1, EHV2, EHV- 3 and EHV 4) West Nile West Nile virus Equine, avian Enveloped RNA virus (flavivirus) Bird Flu Influenza A Avian Enveloped RNA virus (H5N1, H7N9, H10N8) Myxomatosis Myxoma virus Rabbits Enveloped DNA virus (poxvirus) © 2018 VetTechPrep.com • All rights reserved. 1 .
    [Show full text]
  • Mammals of Jordan
    © Biologiezentrum Linz/Austria; download unter www.biologiezentrum.at Mammals of Jordan Z. AMR, M. ABU BAKER & L. RIFAI Abstract: A total of 78 species of mammals belonging to seven orders (Insectivora, Chiroptera, Carni- vora, Hyracoidea, Artiodactyla, Lagomorpha and Rodentia) have been recorded from Jordan. Bats and rodents represent the highest diversity of recorded species. Notes on systematics and ecology for the re- corded species were given. Key words: Mammals, Jordan, ecology, systematics, zoogeography, arid environment. Introduction In this account we list the surviving mammals of Jordan, including some reintro- The mammalian diversity of Jordan is duced species. remarkable considering its location at the meeting point of three different faunal ele- Table 1: Summary to the mammalian taxa occurring ments; the African, Oriental and Palaearc- in Jordan tic. This diversity is a combination of these Order No. of Families No. of Species elements in addition to the occurrence of Insectivora 2 5 few endemic forms. Jordan's location result- Chiroptera 8 24 ed in a huge faunal diversity compared to Carnivora 5 16 the surrounding countries. It shelters a huge Hyracoidea >1 1 assembly of mammals of different zoogeo- Artiodactyla 2 5 graphical affinities. Most remarkably, Jordan Lagomorpha 1 1 represents biogeographic boundaries for the Rodentia 7 26 extreme distribution limit of several African Total 26 78 (e.g. Procavia capensis and Rousettus aegypti- acus) and Palaearctic mammals (e. g. Eri- Order Insectivora naceus concolor, Sciurus anomalus, Apodemus Order Insectivora contains the most mystacinus, Lutra lutra and Meles meles). primitive placental mammals. A pointed snout and a small brain case characterises Our knowledge on the diversity and members of this order.
    [Show full text]
  • Long-Term Trends in Food Habits of the Raccoon Dog, Nyctereutes Viverrinus, in the Imperial Palace, Tokyo
    Bull. Natl. Mus. Nat. Sci., Ser. A, 42(3), pp. 143–161, August 22, 2016 Long-term Trends in Food Habits of the Raccoon Dog, Nyctereutes viverrinus, in the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Akihito1, Takako Sako2, Makito Teduka3 and Shin-ichiro Kawada4* 1The Imperial Residence, 1–1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100–0001, Japan 2Imperial Household Agency, 1–1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100–8111, Japan 3Field Work Office, 4–29–2 Asahi-cho, Akishima, Tokyo 196–0025, Japan 4 Department of Zoology, National Museum of Nature and Science, 4–1–1 Amakubo, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305–0005, Japan *E-mail: [email protected] (Received 31 March 2016; accepted 22 June 2016) Abstract The food habits of the raccoon dogs in the Imperial Palace were examined by fecal analysis focused on the long term trend for five years. A total of 95 taxa (including 58 taxa identi- fied as genera or species) of plant seeds were detected from 163 collected feces in 164 weekly sur- veys. Among them, eight taxa were selected as the food resources for the raccoon dogs in the Imperial Palace. The intakes of these taxa showed seasonal succession, i.e. Aphananthe aspera in January, Idesia polycarpa in February, Rubus hirsutus from May to July, Cerasus spp. in May and June, Morus spp. in June, Machilus thunbergii in July and August, Aphananthe aspera from Sep- tember to December until the following January, and also Ficus erecta in September and Celtis sinensis in December. In March and April, plant harvest is rather poor, and therefore raccoon dogs feed on the inside endosperm of Ginkgo biloba and family Fagaceae to supply the insufficient nutrients as observed by broken seed coats from feces.
    [Show full text]
  • The Nature of Teller Coyotes Physical Description Coyotes (Canis Latrans
    The Nature of Teller Coyotes Physical Description Coyotes (Canis latrans) are members of the canine family. Of the 19 subspecies, the mountain coyote is the one you’ll encounter in Teller County. They have gray, white, tan, and brown fur. The coyote in the photograph was taken from Edlowe Road. They are about the size of a medium-size dog, weighing 20 to 50 pounds. Their long, bushy tails are helpful species identifiers. Coyotes run with their tails down while domestic dogs run with tails up and wolves run with tails straight out. Life History In many areas, coyotes are solitary outside of the breeding season; but their social organization is influenced by prey size. In populations where the majority of prey are small rodents, coyotes tend to be solitary. In populations where larger animals are available (elk and deer), large groups of coyotes (packs) may form. Like other canines, coyotes do not hibernate. A male and female will pair off and remain together for several years, although they may not be life mates. Mating occurs between January and March. They establish dens abandoned by other animals, or dig one themselves. Litters of 5-7are born sightless and hairless two months after mating. Their eyes open after 10 days, and they leave the den between 8-10 weeks of age. Movement of pups from one den to another is common. The reason is unknown, but disturbance and infestation by parasites may be factors. Coyotes in captivity may live as long as 18 years, but in wild populations few coyotes live more than 6 to 8 years.
    [Show full text]
  • Observations of Small Carnivores in Son Tra Nature Reserve, a Small and Isolated Protected Area in Central Vietnam
    Observations of small carnivores in Son Tra Nature Reserve, a small and isolated protected area in central Vietnam Ulrike STREICHER1 and Larry ULIBARRI2 Abstract Over half the 45.5 km² Son Tra peninsula in central Vietnam is a nature reserve. The peninsula has been isolated from other natural habitat by sea and urbanisation for decades. Various surveys since the 1960s have recorded Large-toothed Ferret Badger Melogale personata, Small Indian Civet Viverricula indica, Common Palm Civet Paradoxurus hermaphroditus, Small Asian Mongoose Herpestes javanicus and Leopard Cat Prionailurus bengalensis; and probably otter (Lutrinae) and Large Indian Civet Viverra zibetha, although the original basis for these two is not available. Several species typical of forest in this region and active at least in large part by day were not found, suggesting that they are possibly susceptible to hunting or need larger landscapes (or both). None of the surveys targeted small carnivores, so some species, particularly nocturnal ones, might have been overlooked. The easily accessible Son Tra KeywordsNature Reserve: breeding with seasonality,its unusually community, confiding wildlife fragmentation, is ideal for habitat wildlife change, and conservation Herpestes javanicus studies and, locality education. records, Melogale per- sonata, persistence Ghi nhận thú ăn thịt nhỏ ở Khu Bảo tồn Thiên nhiên Sơn Trà, một khu bảo vệ nhỏ và cô lập ở miền trung Việt Nam Tóm tắt Khoảng một nửa diện tích 45,5 km² của bán đảo Sơn Trà ở miền trung Việt Nam là môt khu bảo tồn. Bán đảo đã bị cô lập với các sinh cảnh tự nhiên khác bởi biển và các khu đô thị từ vài thập kỷ nay.
    [Show full text]
  • Glimpse of an African… Wolf? Cécile Bloch
    $6.95 Glimpse of an African… Wolf ? PAGE 4 Saving the Red Wolf Through Partnerships PAGE 9 Are Gray Wolves Still Endangered? PAGE 14 Make Your Home Howl Members Save 10% Order today at shop.wolf.org or call 1-800-ELY-WOLF Your purchases help support the mission of the International Wolf Center. VOLUME 25, NO. 1 THE QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOLF CENTER SPRING 2015 4 Cécile Bloch 9 Jeremy Hooper 14 Don Gossett In the Long Shadow of The Red Wolf Species Survival Are Gray Wolves Still the Pyramids and Beyond: Plan: Saving the Red Wolf Endangered? Glimpse of an African…Wolf? Through Partnerships In December a federal judge ruled Geneticists have found that some In 1967 the number of red wolves that protections be reinstated for of Africa’s golden jackals are was rapidly declining, forcing those gray wolves in the Great Lakes members of the gray wolf lineage. remaining to breed with the more wolf population area, reversing Biologists are now asking: how abundant coyote or not to breed at all. the USFWS’s 2011 delisting many golden jackals across Africa The rate of hybridization between the decision that allowed states to are a subspecies known as the two species left little time to prevent manage wolves and implement African wolf? Are Africa’s golden red wolf genes from being completely harvest programs for recreational jackals, in fact, wolves? absorbed into the expanding coyote purposes. If biological security is population. The Red Wolf Recovery by Cheryl Lyn Dybas apparently not enough rationale for Program, working with many other conservation of the species, then the organizations, has created awareness challenge arises to properly express and laid a foundation for the future to the ecological value of the species.
    [Show full text]